The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has concluded a multimillion-dollar deal with Siebel Systems.
This is the fourth and last component of the SARS "roadmap to 2010", aimed at positioning the revenue service as an innovative revenue and customs agency that enhances economic growth and social development.
SARS CIO Ken Jarvis would not reveal the exact value of the deal with the US-based customer relationship management software developer, but says the deal is the last big element of the SARS strategy developed in 2005.
The new project will roll-out over the next three years and centres around three key areas: single registration, enhanced workflow and service levels, and improved interaction between SARS and taxpayers.
Tender update
Jarvis says the remaining three components of the 2010 roadmap include the multimillion-rand network tender for the replacement of data and voice networks. The winning bidder is expected to be announced in March or April, and Jarvis reveals that seven big players are in the running for the contract.
The biggest component of the roadmap is the R1.5 billion container scanner tender, which is also due to be awarded in March or April, says Jarvis, adding that three bidders are on the shortlist.
In December, SARS announced a R750 million tender for the modernisation of its tax and customs business, products and systems. This tender, says Jarvis, has sparked international interest and is due to be awarded on 17 February.
Register once
In terms of the latest deal, Siebel says the new system will allow individuals to register once for all SARS tax services, through a single registration engine that is expected in the third quarter of this year.
The single registration system will reduce the cost and complexity by sharing information across tax registration applications, claims Siebel.
It adds that, in terms of workflow, SARS is to implement a case management tracking system that will allow staff to respond to and resolve the public`s queries quickly and more effectively.
Disputes are automatically escalated according to the time elapsed and the criticality of the situation, the group says. It adds that such a system would allow SARS to up its service levels and meet the objectives of its services charter it launched publicly late last year.
SARS is also looking to give taxpayers the ability to review, edit and update their personal and company details online by early in 2007, it says. Eventually, this system should allow taxpayers to log in and check the status of their tax returns.
Last week Oracle concluded its bid for Siebel Systems and said the two companies` operations will be consolidated in all countries, including SA.
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SARS tender sparks international interest
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